Jazz Power Initiative

12/01/2022

Jazz Power friend, help NYC students find healing through jazz

Last spring, we met an eager 11-year-old jazz fan in one of our in-school assemblies at PS18 in Washington Heights. After auditioning, he joined our 12-week program, starting his journey as a Jazz Power Youth student. Later on, he confided in us that he was bullied by other students in school because of his love for the arts, and that at Jazz Power Initiative he found a safe place to express and be himself, meeting friends who also share his passion for jazz. You can join our efforts to keep safe spaces available for students like him by helping us raise $20,000 by the end of the year! Donate at jazzpower.org/donate, and your contribution will benefit our youth education and community performance programs in Northern Manhattan. Thank you!

Here's how you can help... December 1st, 2022 Dear Jazz Power friend! Last spring, we met an eager 11-year-old jazz fan in one of our in-school assemblies at PS18 in Washington Heights. He was invited

11/28/2022

Make jazz assemblies available to NYC students!

Tomorrow, on , you can help us make more in-school assemblies available for New York City Students by donating to our $1,000 Facebook Fundraiser at bit.ly/jpigivingtuesday2022. Any donation made tomorrow November 29th until 11:59 PM will be MATCHED by Facebook! I will keep you updated on our goal through Facebook and Instagram so make sure to follow and like us! Our fundraiser is the kickoff for our Annual Fall campaign! Will you help us start the fire?

Tomorrow on donate to Jazz Power's Facebook Fundraiser. Hi Jazz Power friend! Tomorrow, on , you can help us make more in-school assemblies available for New York City Stu

11/24/2022

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We want to THANK YOU for your support and helping pass on jazz music to future generations, and for being there even through the most difficult times. We wish you and yours HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

11/22/2022

We are excited to announce our BARRY HARRIS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION December 15 and 17 at Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam, featuring vocal arrangements by the master pianist and educator Barry Harris, with Eli "Dr. E" Yamin, Jazz Power, Zah! Ensemble and special guests conductor/pianist Phil Bingham Tri-Com-Muse-Piano , and bassist Ari Roland. We can but celebrate by giving thanks to the man who gave it all for jazz education. Will you join us? RSVP at jazzpower.org/powerjam

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11/18/2022

Dr. E is making the CALL...will you give the RESPONSE?

Eli Yamin

11/16/2022

Steven Oquendo (seen here jamming with Kevin Blancq, James Zollar in our Brass Extravaganza Jam) shares his insight on mentorship: “Whether you are a novice or a professional, never underestimate the role of great mentorship on your quest to musical excellence.”

Steven Oquendo

11/12/2022

TWN

Artistic Director Dee Dee Bridgewater wants you to know about this new opportunity at The Woodshed Network (TWN). TWN is now accepting applications through November 23, 2022 for ther next residency. The Woodshed Network’s primary goal is to shift the culture and environment of jazz towards one that embraces, supports, includes and accelerates the careers of artists self-identifying with womanhood, who have and continue to contribute immeasurably to this unique art form. More information can be found online at

The Woodshed Network was conceived as a program for Women in Jazz, to provide professional support and accelerate careers through mentorship, knowledge sharing and community interaction. TWN is a collaboration between Artistic Director, Dee Dee Bridgewater, DDB Productions, Bridgewater Artists

11/10/2022

October was a great month for Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam! Brass Extravaganza, saluting Louis Armstrong to Lester Bowie, was vibrating in two different venues -Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, and featuring exceptional artists: tuba player Bob Stewart, trumpeters James Zollar and Kevin Blancq, accompanied by brass students of LaGuardia High School. Enjoy these pictures of two memorable events! And if you came to either one, tell us all about it in the comments!

LaGuardia High School

11/09/2022

Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam 2022 – Jazz Power

RSVP to attend one of this month's Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam: Here's to The Ladies Who Swing and Bling! Join us for our salute to iconic singers from Carrie Smith to Etta Jones featuring vocalist Antoinette Montague, Jazz Woman to the Rescue, with Eli Yamin, piano, Melissa Slocum, bass and Darrell Smith, drums and special guests Claire Daly, baritone sax, Annette A. Aguilar, percussion, Kim Holmes, dancer, and Joie St. Hubert, vocals.

Antoinette Montague Eli Yamin Annette A Aguilar and STRINGBEANS Latin Jazz Brazilian Joie St. Hubert

Bringing together artists and audiences of all ages to experience the power of jazz, community, and swing!NOVEMBER 2022Jazz Power Initiative presents Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam: Here’s to the Ladies Who Swing and Bling, saluting iconic singers from Carrie Smith to Etta Jones featuring vocali...

11/08/2022

Voting Rights Speech - Holding The Torch for Liberty

"What is America? Land of democracy... All of its citizens must have the right to vote!" from the Jazz Power Musical, Holding the Torch For Liberty, reminding us how hard women fought for the right to vote over one hundred years ago. We honor these women and everyone else who has built the platform upon which we stand today, Election Day 2022. Please treasure your well-earned right and fulfill your duty to vote! Vote to guarantee access to the arts; vote for access to education, housing and health; vote for your family and your country. VOTE!

11/07/2022

We are excited to announce Jazz Power Initiative has received a Regrowth and Capacity grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). This grant will support the organization’s community outreach, as we continue our ongoing recovery from pandemic challenges. Governor Kathy Hochul commented “As we continue our comeback, we applaud the strength and innovation of arts organizations across the state and are all the better for their hard work and dedication.” Mara Manus, Executive Director of NYSCA encouraged our efforts: “As we continue rebuilding the arts across our New York, Jazz Power Initiative will play a vital role in the renewal of our state’s economy and creative ecosystem. Congratulations on your award from the entire NYSCA team.”

Photo by Alejandro A Castro

11/03/2022

It has been a great two weeks for JPI's Fall Youth Training Workshop! Learning through the jazz classic In A Mellow Tone, by the great Duke Ellington, the youth has worked on dance and voice techniques like stomp/clap and call and response. What a wonderful way to celebrate jazz and the continuum of the wisdom that it carries!

11/01/2022

Our youth share what does mean for them. Find out more in JPI's November newsletter! https://conta.cc/3Wjkqp8

10/31/2022

We were swinging away at the Bank Street Fall Fair! A great way to spend a Sunday, with sweet tunes by Dr. E and Jazz Power featuring Zah! Ensemble. Thank you for the invitation, hope to be back next year!

Eli Yamin Joie St. Hubert Jonathan Jimenez Hernandez Jordan Carr Knox Barber Esther Idalis Estrella
Photos by Jim Cummins Imagery: Stills, Video & Consulting

10/26/2022

This month's Artists Advice comes from Annette A. Aguilar, Latin percussionist and leader of the Annette A. Aguilar & Stringbeans: "Talent is not enough to be successful; it takes discipline, focus, practice and perseverance, being open to learn all the time, and surrounding yourself by people that know more than you."
Annette A Aguilar

10/24/2022

Mark your calendar November 17 and 20, when we present our next Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam: Here's to The Ladies Who Swing and Bling! Saluting iconic singers from Carrie Smith to Etta Jones featuring vocalist Antoinette Montague, Jazz Women to the Rescue, with Eli Yamin, piano, Melissa Slocum, bass and Darrell Smith, drums and special guests Claire Daly, baritone sax, Annette A. Aguilar, percussion, Kim Holmes, dancer, and Joie St. Hubert, vocals. It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!

Eli Yamin Annette A Aguilar Claire Daly Joie St. Hubert Antoinette Montague

10/20/2022

Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam: Brass Extravaganza

Today, join us at JPI's Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam: Brass Extravaganza at Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center, our new venue partner! This evening, we will be saluting Louis Armstrong to Lester Bowie through terrific performances by tuba player Bob Stewart, trumpeter Zames Zollar, and trumpeter and band director Kevin Blancq, joined by bass students from LaGuardia High School Jazz Band. Admission is free. Prepare for lot's of fun! RSVP in the link below

Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam: Brass Extravaganza

10/18/2022

Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam 2022 – Jazz Power

JPI's Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam Series will officially kick off this week with a Brass Extravaganza! Two dates to delight in the sweet sounds of great featured artists: Bob Stewart, James Zollar and Kevin Blancq joined by brass students of LaGuardia High School Jazz Band, saluting Louis Armstrong to Lester Bowie. You won't want to miss this one!

Bringing together artists and audiences of all ages to experience the power of jazz, community, and swing!Jazz Power Initiative presents Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam: Brass Extravaganza, co-hosted by pianist Eli Yamin and special guests, tuba player Bob Stewart, trumpeter James Zollar, and trump...

10/14/2022

As we close out the week, we are excited to introduce you to the students and families of the Fall 2022 Youth Training Workshop, our 8-week multidisciplinary training in jazz arts! Stay tuned for "aha" moments and swinging songs from this soulful group.

10/12/2022

Jazz Power Initiative updated their information in their About section.

Jazz Power Initiative updated their information in their About section.

10/12/2022

Bank Street Fall Fair is back live and in-person, and Jazz Power Initiative says PRESENT! After two years, the Bank Street School for Children will be holding its , a celebration of its vibrant, diverse community. Join us this Sunday October 16, 2022 at 2 PM at Broadway and 112th Street, enjoy performances by Dr. E and Jazz Power featuring Zah! Ensemble, and stay for more family fun activities!

Eli Yamin Jonathan Jimenez Hernandez Joie St. Hubert Melanie Matonte

10/11/2022

Terri Lyne Carrington, Founder and Artistic Director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, recently published New Standards: 101 Lead Sheets By Women Composers, a wide range of curated jazz compositions written by women composers, from obscure to popular, historic to current, blues to be bebop, and beyond. Check out the first volume of an album inspired by this publication in the link below: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mhb3B2qbynKACapAnhBGBK3kr4SqQwZh8

Linda May Han Oh Berklee College of Music

10/10/2022

Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam: Celebrating the birthday of Thelonious Monk

Born this day in 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Thelonious Sphere Monk became one of America's most important composers. His compositions are played around the globe every minute of every day because of their timeless variety, spontaneity, playfulness, swing, and bluesy soul. Jazz Power Initiative was proud to celebrate his work with Chembo Corniel Jr.'s presentation of Afro Blue Monk presented at The National Jazz Museum in Harlem featuring Chembo Corniel, band leader/ percussion, Carlos Cuevas, piano, Joel E. Mateo, drums, Ian Stewart, electric bass, Hery Paz, tenor saxophone/flute, Yasuyo Kimura, congas, James Zollar, trumpet, Eli Yamin, piano, director, producer, host, Janny Mariana Gonzalez, video producer, Jonathan Jimenez Hernandez, assistant video producer, Martin Mejia, audio producer, and Jeff Jones "The Jedi Master," audio producer.

Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam: Celebrating the birthday of Thelonious Monk with Chembo Corniel’s Afro Blue Monk Project is a production of: Jazz Power Ini...

10/04/2022

Mark your calendars, bring your instrument and Jam with us, at Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center on October 20th 7-8:30 PM and The National Jazz Museum in Harlem on October 23rd 2-4 PM!

10/03/2022

JPI Friend, check out our Jazz Power HEADLINES!

Learn about Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam series held at two venues, new Zah! Ensemble members, start of our Jazz Power Youth program and more on this month's newsletter...

Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam series at two venues, new Zah! Ensemble members, start of our Jazz Power Youth program and more...! Monthly News October 2022 Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam now held

09/30/2022

Jazz Power Youth Training Workshop audition

Last chance to register for JPI’s Fall Youth Training Workshop! This Saturday, October 1st, youth ages 10-17 can secure a spot in this transformative 8-week program by signing up now to audition with one of your favorite songs! Follow the link to register for the auditions or contact Youth Program Manager [email protected]. See you there!

Participants will perform one of the their favorite songs to be considered for the Jazz Power Fall training workshop. Jazz Power Fall training workshop is an award winning, transformational, 8-week multidisciplinary program in singing, dancing and acting, beginning October 11th.

09/27/2022

Contact Us – Jazz Power

Sign up for our newsletter and receive our monthly Artists Advice, connecting our artists and their immense experience with up and coming musicians, vocalists, producers and overall community. This month, our Managing and Artistic Director, pianist Dr. Eli Yamin, shared:
"Keep your overhead low so you can focus on making art more than making next month's rent."

+1 917-818-1759 email hidden; JavaScript is requiredWould you like to know our latest news and get information from our programs?Sign up to JPI's email newsletter! First Name Last Name Email *Select list(s) to subscribe toJazz Power Initiative Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Jazz P...

09/26/2022

JPI’s Fall Youth Training Workshop for youth ages 10-17 is coming up! To secure a spot in this transformative 8-week program, SIGN UP NOW to audition with one of your favorite songs on, October 1st, from 1-3pm at 5030 Broadway. This is a special opportunity for an immersive experience in a high-quality jazz arts education, training in voice, dance and theater, at NO COST to families! Follow the link to register for the auditions or contact Youth Program Manager [email protected]. See you there!

09/20/2022

Experience the wonders of jazz while giving back by volunteering to Jazz Power Initiative! By sharing your talents, we can serve more community members with high quality, multigenerational FREE concerts! Be part of our efforts to keep the Jazz Power ON by filling out this application: https://jazzpower.org/volunteer/

09/19/2022

Sign up NOW at bit.ly/jpifallauditions if you too want to dance and swing like them! Auditions are open for students ages 10-17 THIS SATURDAY September 24th and October 1st, for our 8-week FREE jazz workshop. Places are limited! PARENTS sign up your student at bit.ly/jpifallauditions. Don't miss out!

09/15/2022

20th Anniversary of “A Healing Song” guajira arrangement by Eli Yamin at the United Palace

¡FELIZ MES DE LA HERENCIA HISPANA! This month, we celebrate the rich cultural legacy of our Hispanic community, the resiliency of their people, and the joyful spirit to embrace new challenges and connect with others! Highlighting the Hispanic roots of jazz has always been important in our work at JPI, such as in our 20th anniversary "guajira" version of "A Healing Song" from our musical Message From Saturn by Eli Yamin and Clifford Carlson recorded at United Palace. This arrangement is by Eli Yamin and Annette A Aguilar and features Zah! Ensemble with Josiah Battle, Joie St. Hubert, Marquise Neal, Victoria Ortiz, Terese Francois, Kimberly Teyengua and Jonathan Jimenez Hernandez, accompanied by drummer David F. Gibson and bassist Jennifer Vincent. Enjoy and join us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. ¡A bailar!

As with many organizations in Washington Heights, Inwood and Harlem, we have kept working throughout this difficult pandemic, to continue our intergeneration...

09/14/2022

Attention 5th-8th graders and families! We are thrilled to announce that JPI’s fall Youth Training Workshop is coming up! To secure a spot on this transformative 8-weeks program, the youth has to audition with one of their favorite songs, on September 24th or October 1st, from 1-3pm at 5030 Broadway. Remember, this is a special opportunity for an immersive experience in a high-quality jazz arts education, training in voice, dance and theater, at NO COST to families! What a deal! Follow the link to register for the auditions or contact Youth Program Manager [email protected]. See you there!

09/09/2022

Positively Black: ‘The Ellington on Broadway'

Pianist and composer Duke Ellington wrote, played and led pieces that helped shape the genre of jazz. The Ellington On Broadway, a neighborhood restaurant which recently opened on September 21st, is determined to keep his legacy alive. The Ellington will present a rotation of live music while commensals enjoy their meals. Their first performance, covered by NBC New York, featured dancer and choreographer and Ellington's granddaughter, Mercedes Ellington, alongside our very own Senior Vocal Instructor, "Jazz Woman to the Rescue" Antoinette Montague, and renowned Harlem pianist Danny Mixon. The mission to keep musicians working and jazz flourishing continues with live music at The Ellington on Broadway every Sunday from 6-9pm.

Rana Novini visits this special restaurant to show how Duke Ellington’s legacy is being kept alive.

09/08/2022

Bird Feathers - Zah! Ensemble at Church of the Intercession

ZAH! APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 13TH for auditions on September 17th! Zah! Ensemble is looking for young jazz singers who will be performing around Upper Manhattan and beyond, singing jazz classics like "Bird Feathers." Rehearsals are held Saturdays from 10 AM - 12 PM at Jazz Power Initiative’s headquarters located at 5030 Broadway and 213th Street in Manhattan. Rehearsals and performances will be paid. Fill out the google form linked in our bio (or below) if you would like to be considered for an audition. We look forward to hearing your voice!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAqRKcPzF94

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7BZG8sqwBsLhSWfnc1ONOaN_2VMYIDsyj1czg9JJCJFm30w/viewform

If you would like to be a part Zah! please sign up by filling out the form below:https://forms.gle/m2d7Wn7sCTq65RdT6

09/07/2022

Attention 5th-8th graders and families! We are thrilled to announce that JPI’s fall Youth Training Workshop is coming up! To secure a spot on this transformative 8-weeks program, the youth has to audition with one of their favorite songs, on September 24th or October 1st, from 1-3pm at 5030 Broadway. Remember, this is a special opportunity for an immersive experience in a high-quality jazz arts education, training in voice, dance and theater, at NO COST to families! What a deal! Follow the link to register for the auditions or contact Youth Program Manager [email protected]. See you there!

09/03/2022

As we reflect on our recent community concerts, we want to express our gratitude and joy. JPI’s mission of transforming lives through jazz was front and center through all the acts, and we’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of many people smiling, dancing, and enjoying the beauty of quality time spent with family, friends, neighbors, and even individually. In the spirit of celebrating community and collaboration, we want to thank NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Community League of the Heights, Inc. - CLOTH, NY Forever, and NYC DOT for making us part of these amazing encounters!

Hope to see you all at the next one!

Eli Yamin Annette A Aguilar Jonathan Jimenez Hernandez Joie St. Hubert Jennifer Vincent , Ruben Rodriguez, Barbara Martinez, Jordan Carr

09/01/2022

A Toast to Michael Bourne

WBGO host, writer, culture warrior, Michael Bourne died last week at the age of 75. He was a major influence in the jazz world with his exceptional musical insight and taste expressed through his writing, radio programming, and his especially vigorous advocacy for modern jazz singers on his show "Singers Unlimited." Jazz Power Initiative Board Member Becca Pulliam worked closely with Michael Bourne on countless NPR presentations of live jazz including on the "Toast of the Nation" on New Year's Eve. We toast Michael Bourne and all he gave to our beloved jazz community. May his legacy burn bright through all the artists he celebrated and helped us HEAR....

Michael Bourne hosted NPR's Toast of the Nation for many years, produced by Becca Pulliam. Becca remembers some of those New Year's Eve broadcasts with Michael.